Zaozhuang’s specialties include Shanting peppercorns, Weishan Lake salted duck eggs, Shanting fire cherries, Dianzichang red dates, Xuzhuang chestnuts, etc.

Shanting Zanthoxylum bungeanum, a specialty of Shanting District, Zaozhuang City, Shandong Province, is a national geographical indication product of China.

Shanting Zanthoxylum bungeanum variety is famous for its large ears, many particles, thick pepper skin, bright color without discoloration, and long-lasting and rich fragrance.

Weishan Lake salted duck eggs are a traditional delicacy. The eggshell is green and the appearance is round and smooth. People in southern Shandong also call it green skin.

Salted duck eggs have a long history in our country, are deeply loved by the people, and are also highly favored in the market.

Shanting Fire Cherry, a specialty of Shuiquan Town, Shanting District, Zaozhuang City, Shandong Province, is a national geographical indication product of China.

Shanting Fire Cherry has a kidney-shaped fruit shape, purple-red color, thick flesh, sweet and sour taste, and is durable for storage and transportation.

The fresh red dates in the store are crispy and sweet, while the dried fruits are oily and sweet.

Xuzhuang chestnut, a specialty of Shanting District, Zaozhuang City, Shandong Province, is a national geographical indication of agricultural products.

Zaozhuang delicacies recommend shy meatballs, which are a special dish in Zaozhuang. The chef calls them shy meatballs, and diners call them Xiaoyao meatballs and other names, which shows how much people like it.

The reason why it is called shy meatballs is because the dish is about the size of an orange before it is served. After being placed on the plate for a while, the meatballs will gradually shrink to the size of an egg yolk, just like a shy girl in bloom, hence the name shy meatballs.

Xiji mutton soup is a very famous delicacy in Zaozhuang, and is also known as the first soup in southern Shandong.

It is said that Xiji mutton soup was first invented by Tang Meixian, a gourmet in the Ming Dynasty, and then became famous throughout the country.

Zaozhuang spicy chicken is also a local special dish in Zaozhuang. It mainly uses local chicken, washed and chopped into pieces, and paired with local hot peppers and chili peppers, onions, ginger, garlic, Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, cumin and other seasonings.